%0 Journal Article
%T Nanotechnology and Nature: On Two Criteria for Understanding Their Relationship
%A Gregor Schiemann
%J Hyle : International Journal for Philosophy of Chemistry
%D 2005
%I HYLE Publications, Karlsruhe and University of Karlsruhe
%X Two criteria are proposed for characterizing the diverse and not yet perspicuous relations between nanotechnology and nature. They assume a concept of nature as that which is not made by human action. One of the criteria endorses a distinction between natural and artificial objects in nanotechnology; the other allows for a discussion of the potential nanotechnological modification of nature. Insofar as current trends may be taken as indicative of future development, nanotechnology might increasingly use the model of nature as a point of orientation, while many of its products will continue to be clearly distinguished from nature.
%K philosophy of chemistry
%K nanotechnology
%K concept of nature
%K laws of nature
%K life
%K artificial life
%U http://www.hyle.org/journal/issues/11-1/schiemann.pdf